Infections in deep brain stimulation (DBS) hardware, while an undesired complication of DBS surgeries, can be effectively addressed. Minor infections are typically treated with wound revision and IV antibiotics. However, when a visible hardware infection occurs, most centers opt for complete removal, leaving the patient in a preoperative state and necessitating post-removal care. To avoid the need for such care, a novel technique was developed using a stereotatic x-ray set-up.

The novel technique involves placing new electrodes within a stereotactic x-ray set-up, leading them to the contralateral side, and placing new extensions and a new generator contralateral to the infection as well. Subsequently, the infected system is removed. This case series includes six patients.

The average duration of DBS system implantation before the second surgery was 272 days. Only one system had to be removed after 18 months due to reoccurring infection; the others remained unaffected - the longest for 89 months so far. Laboratory alterations and pathogens were identified in only half of the patients.

The described surgical technique proves to be safe, well tolerated, and serves as a viable alternative to complete system removal. Importantly, it effectively prevents the need of post-removal care for patients and saves cost for patients and the health-care system as well.